Personal Safety Training in Northern Ireland (Parking)
As I wrote yesterday I would like to look at parking so as to ensure your personal safety, along with a few tips on how on park safely.
These tips can be used not only when you are working, but also in your personal time as well.
Parking safety is one of the most important tasks we should be thinking about when carrying out a visit or driving to an unfamiliar location. Quell strongly encourages anyone who works alone to be considering the following points before they even depart.
Vehicle: If possible you should never let anyone identify your vehicle or relate the vehicle to your occupation (unless advertising is on your company vehicle). Many vehicles over the years have been damaged and vandalised by what we call opportunists and probably has nothing to do with the task you are carrying out, but they may possibly have a gripe with the organisation you work for!
Pass Location: Drive by the location for a few hundred yards to see if there are any dead ends or problems in the other direction from you. This will be of benefit if something unexpected happens at your visit and you have to leave quickly and safety; there would be nothing worse than to leave in a hurry, in an emotional frame of mind and then get lost.
Parking the Vehicle: Always park your vehicle facing towards the exit (your next location). Never park inwards or facing into opposing traffic as this could slow you departure if something unforeseen would happen during your visit. Ensure you are parked in a well-lit area. At times you could enter a place when daylight is present and return when dark especially in the winter season. In the summer season be very aware of shadowed areas when parking, and be careful not to be blocked in.
Keys: Separate house keys from vehicle keys, because if something did happen where you lost a car key at least no-one would get your home keys.
Equipment: We advise you carry a small first aid kit, map of the area, torch and spare change for a phone box, especially if you have no signal on your mobile in your car. If possible carry a can of tyre foam inflator, this can be purchased from any good car parts store, as this will enable you to inflate the tyre without changing the wheel and drive for 5 – 10 miles (approx) enabling you to leave the area if concerned.
The above are just a few key ideas you should consider, however we would always stress it will never fully replace training. Also remember to also check that the training you receive is viable and professional, as cutting corners can cause mistakes.
For more help or information please contact us at Quell.
Tomorrow we will look at driving your car safely if being followed!
Blog by Will Holland